AMAZING NEWS May 18, 2014

Special Announcement:  Due to technical difficulties, a full news roundup will not be seen this week so that we can bring you coverage of the SFWA Nebula Awards and a few other items.

Our regular news roundup will resume next week.

Press Releases and Newsletters can be found below the awards listing.

2014 Nebula Award Winners:

Novel

Winner: Ancillary Justice, Ann Leckie (Orbit US; Orbit UK)
Nominees:
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, Karen Joy Fowler (Marian Wood)
The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Neil Gaiman (Morrow; Headline Review)
Fire with Fire, Charles E. Gannon (Baen)
Hild, Nicola Griffith (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
The Red: First Light, Linda Nagata (Mythic Island)
A Stranger in Olondria, Sofia Samatar (Small Beer)
The Golem and the Jinni, Helene Wecker (Harper)

Novella

Winner: ‘‘The Weight of the Sunrise,’’ Vylar Kaftan (Asimov’s 2/13)
Nominees:
‘‘Wakulla Springs,’’ Andy Duncan & Ellen Klages (Tor.com 10/2/13)
‘‘Annabel Lee,’’ Nancy Kress (New Under the Sun)
‘‘Burning Girls,’’ Veronica Schanoes (Tor.com 6/19/13)
‘‘Trial of the Century,’’ Lawrence M. Schoen (www.lawrencemschoen.com; World Jumping)
Six-Gun Snow White, Catherynne M. Valente (Subterranean)

Novelette

Winner: ‘‘The Waiting Stars,’’ Aliette de Bodard (The Other Half of the Sky)
Nominees:
‘‘Paranormal Romance,’’ Christopher Barzak (Lightspeed 6/13)
‘‘They Shall Salt the Earth with Seeds of Glass,’’ Alaya Dawn Johnson (Asimov’s 1/13)
‘‘Pearl Rehabilitative Colony for Ungrateful Daughters,’’ Henry Lien (Asimov’s 12/13)
‘‘The Litigation Master and the Monkey King,’’ Ken Liu (Lightspeed 8/13)
‘‘In Joy, Knowing the Abyss Behind,’’ Sarah Pinsker (Strange Horizons 7/1 – 7/8/13)

Short Story

Winner: ‘‘If You Were a Dinosaur, My Love,’’ Rachel Swirsky (Apex 3/13)
Nominees:
‘‘The Sounds of Old Earth,’’ Matthew Kressel (Lightspeed 1/13)
‘‘Selkie Stories Are for Losers,’’ Sofia Samatar (Strange Horizons 1/7/13)
‘‘Selected Program Notes from the Retrospective Exhibition of Theresa Rosenberg Latimer,’’ Kenneth Schneyer (Clockwork Phoenix 4)
‘‘Alive, Alive Oh,’’ Sylvia Spruck Wrigley (Lightspeed 6/13)

Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation

Winner: Gravity
Nominees:
Doctor Who: ‘‘The Day of the Doctor’’
Europa Report
Her
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Pacific Rim

Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy Book

Winner: Sister Mine, Nalo Hopkinson (Grand Central)
Nominees:
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, Holly Black (Little, Brown; Indigo)
When We Wake, Karen Healey (Allen & Unwin; Little, Brown)
The Summer Prince, Alaya Dawn Johnson (Levine)
Hero, Alethea Kontis (Harcourt)
September Girls, Bennett Madison (Harper Teen)
A Corner of White, Jaclyn Moriarty (Levine)

Kevin O’Donnell Jr. Service to SFWA Award: Michael Armstrong

2013 Damon Knight Grand Master Award: Samuel R. Delany  

The 2013 Nebula Awards were presented May 17, 2014 at the  SFWA’s 49th Annual Nebula Awards Weekend in San Jose, CA.

PRESS RELEASES AND NEWSLETTERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—NEW BOOK RELEASE

Date: 5/15/2014

81-sNjpgJvL._SL1500_To stop a war between China and the U.S., the Stone Soldiers have to take on a mad General armed with the greatest magical weapons from history!

General Zou Zheng Duan is a man driven by ambition—the ambition to rule the world. He believes that a China under his guidance can do just that, defeating even the United States. But first he has to make them fight. To do that, Zou has stolen the greatest magical artifacts in history from beneath the Forbidden City. Chief among these weapons of magical destruction is the Nlai Wan—the Clay Cloud—an alchemical bomb capable of turning living matter to hard, brittle clay. Zou believes that releasing the bomb on America will trigger the world war he so desperately needs. Unfortunately for him, the Stone Soldiers already know he’s coming…

May 15, 2014 – Indie writer C.E. Martin releases another fast-paced pulp-thriller in his Stone Soldiers series that features modern super soldiers battling the supernatural around the world.

For Terrorcota, the action starts in the American heartland when a rogue Chinese General unleashes an alchemical weapon, the Nlai Wan, that will kill hundreds of thousands gathered for a fireworks display in Kentucky. After stopping the terrorist attack before it happens, America’s super soldiers next find themselves rushing to Colorado where Zuo has taken over a small town and threatens to unleash Nlai Wan missiles all over the Western United States. But the General won’t be an easy foe to defeat as he also stolen the ancient artifacts of the Eight Immortals, turning himself into an unstoppable, supernatural juggernaut.

The Stone Soldiers are America’s greatest defense against the forces of darkness—men turned to living stone, nearly invulnerable to most conventional weapons and strong enough to face the toughest of monsters. Joined by their own werewolf, vampire, and a team of psychics, the Stone Soldiers respond swiftly to supernatural threats around the globe, stopping evil in its tracks.

C.E. Martin is a former USAF Security Forces law enforcement specialist and criminal justice investigator. Combining the fantastical stories he heard in the USAF with seventeen years of experience in the criminal justice system, he forges over-the-top tales of pulp action as an independent author.

Terrorcota is currently available on Kindle and is coming soon to iTunes, Smashwords.com, Barnes and Noble and many other fine ebook sellers.

For more about the Stone Soldiers series, visit www.StoneSoldiers.info, or contact the author directly at Detachment1039@gmail.com.

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Mechanikals-coverAMAZING STORIES BLOGGER’S STEAMPUNK SUPERHERO NOVEL ON KINDLE

Amazing stories blogger, John Dodds, has launched his YA steampunk superheroes novel, The Mechanikals, for Kindle.

“It’s the eve of the First World War, in an alternative England where steam power rules land, sea and sky. But even as the spectre of war looms the country has a more immediate battle to fight on its own shores. Vampire mermen, armies of the undead, burning policemen, invisible airships, undersea weapons and supernatural threats…and an orphaned factory apprentice, Edwin Bryce, thrown into a conflict on an unimaginable scale. Only one force can stand against the terror and devastation facing their countrymen, a group of heroes called The Mechanikals. And when young Edwin acquires his special powers he is enlisted into their ranks, to face the terrifying enemy. “

John has already been praised Michael Moorcock, who wrote of one of his short stories: “John Dodds is one of the most promising new writers I have read for some time. I highly recommend his work.”

The first two two novels in the Scottish crime series, The Kendrick Chronicles, Bone Machines and Kali’s Kiss, are  published by Blackstone Audio, Inc, USA as audiobooks narrated by well-known SF actor, Robin Sachs (Buffy the Vampire  Slayer, Babylon 5, Lost World: Jurassic Park, and more). The third audiobook in the series, Babylon Slide, will be released later this year.

What readers are saying on Amazon about The Mechanikals:

4 out of 5 stars well worth a read 10 May 2014
By Ms J M Pryke

An excellent book, enjoyable, fast moving, very vivid situation. Well-developed characters who are caught up in a kind of parallel universe. The hero goes through a great turmoil of emotions linked to his experiences. I’d recommend anyone to read it.
I only gave it 4 stars as it was an unusual genre for me to read but for science fiction readers …Go for it!

5 out of 5 stars Great read 8 May 2014

By Andy Kitchener

Very clever and enjoyable read, loved the approach, reminded me of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and reading H.G. Wells, or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle books I loved from the past. Great read thanks.

5 out of 5 stars The Mechanikals May 8, 2014
By Capot

This is basically a story of good vs evil and the discovery by a poor orphan boy of his special powers and those of his friends. There is a good twist in the plot towards the end of the book that most will not see coming. The plot and characters were well thought out and the ending would seem to lead to a follow on book. I’d recommend this book to readers of all ages.

John Dodds is a former journalist and arts publicist. Born in Scotland, he now lives in Bulgaria. As well as blogging and reviewing for Amazing Stories and Adventures in Scifi Publishing (for whom he also is an occasional podcaster), he teaches creative writing at the American College Arcus in Bulgaria. He has had numerous short stories published, three of which received honourable mention in The Year’s Best Horror and Fantasy (St. Martin’s).

His blog is: https://bonemachines.wordpress.com

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MEDIA RELEASE #22 
 
Loncon 3, the 72nd World Science Fiction Convention 
 
14-18 August 2014 at ExCeL London 
 
https://www.loncon3.org 
 
media@loncon3.org 

Diversity in Speculative Fiction: Loncon 3 launches academic programme

London, 15 May 2014 – Scholars from more than 50 institutions across five continents are coming to Loncon 3, the 72nd World Science Fiction Convention taking place at ExCeL London during 14-18 August, to share their cutting-edge research on a full range of topics related to science fiction and fantasy. 

“Diversity in Speculative Fiction” is an academic conference running within the broader Loncon 3 convention programme featuring more than 40 hours of talks and discussions about literature, comics, games, film, television, music and fan culture.

Emma England, Academic Programme Area Head, said: “London is traditionally protected by the giants Gog and Magog, demonstrating how the fantastic is part of its 2,000 year history. We will be exploring the alleys and A-roads of the city, where science fiction, fantasy, and all forms of speculative fiction can be found.”

As well as a joint session with Loncon 3 Guest of Honour John Clute, the Tolkien Society and the British Science Fiction Association are each hosting a session, and the Science Fiction Foundation are sponsoring a public reception. There are also two keynote speakers – Professor Isabella van Elferen of Kingston University with “In Space No One Can Hear David Bowie: A Brief History of Unheard Music” and independent scholar Dr Karen Hellekson on “Affirmational and TransformationalDoctor Who Fan Videos”. The conference papers will be collected in a special issue of Foundation: The International Review of Science Fiction. 

Other conference highlights include:

  • Prof Richard Ashcroft, Queen Mary University of London: “Weird Science, Weird Ethics: Biotechnology and Human Enhancement: The Lens of M. John Harrison’s Signs of Life
  • Dr Bettina Beinhoff, Anglia Ruskin University: “Why Are Alien Languages Inherently Human? A Participatory Experiment in Sound Symbolism” (a live language experiment with audience participation, followed by a talk)
  • Dr Anita Harris Satkunananthan, National University of Malaysia: “Vampires, Hierarchies and Alternate Futures: Alaya Dawn Johnson’s Re-envisioned Cultures”
  • Dr Ewan Kirkland, University of Brighton: “Monogamy, Heteronormativity and Compulsory Heterosexuality in Recent Science Fiction Cinema”
  • Stanislaw Krawczyk, Graduate Student, University of Warsaw: “The Strange Case of Socialism and Capitalism: Fantastic Literature in Poland in the 1980s and 1990s”
  • Dr Lejla Kucukalic, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE: “Arabian Wonder: Science Fiction in the Middle East”
  • Dr Amy Sturgis, Lenoir-Rhyne University and the Mythgard Institute: “Sherlock Holmes and Science Fiction”
  • Dr Dan Smith, Chelsea College of Arts, University of London: “Science Fiction and Outsider Art”

Full details of how to become a member of Loncon 3 are available at 
https://www.loncon3.org/memberships/ 
 
ENDS 

For more information about the academic programme, please contact Emma England –emma.england@loncon3.org. For general media enquiries about Loncon 3 pleasecontact media@loncon3.org. 
 
 
ABOUT THE WORLD SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION 
 
Founded in 1939, the World Science Fiction Convention is one of the largest international gatherings of authors, artists, editors, publishers, and fans of science fiction and fantasy. The annual Hugo Awards, the leading award for excellence in the fields of science fiction and fantasy, are voted on by the Worldcon membership and presented during the convention. 
 
Loncon 3 is the trading name of London 2014 Ltd, a company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number: 7989510. Registered Office: 176 Portland Road, Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1DJ, UK. 
 
“World Science Fiction Society”, “WSFS”, “World Science Fiction Convention”, “Worldcon”, “NASFiC”, “Hugo Award”, the Hugo Award Logo, and the distinctive design of the Hugo Award Trophy Rocket are service marks of the World Science Fiction Society, an unincorporated literary society. 

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Norwescon 38
Distant Horizons, Epic Adventures
Join Us April 2-5, 2015
Norwescon 37’s Guest of Honor Selection Committee Chair and Programming Director (Loree Parker) announced the Norwescon 38 Guests of Honor during half time of the Norwescon 37 Masquerade. You can read more and see a video of the announcement on our website blog post.Theme: Distant Horizons, Epic Adventures
Science Guest of Honor  Dr. Amy Mainzer
Artist Guests of Honor Julie Bell and Boris Vallejo
Author Guest of Honor George R. R. Martin
Locus Awards Weekend
June 27-29, 2014 – Seattle, WA
Consider attending the Locus Awards banquet with Master of Ceremonies Connie Willis, autographing session, panel discussions with leading authors, and annual Hawaiian shirt contest. Membership also includes a digital subscription to Locus Magazine. More details are available at the Locus Awards weekend page.
In addition, the Locus Weekend Writers Workshop will be taking place the same weekend with instructors Connie Willis and Christopher Barzak. Additional fees apply and workshop registration is limited. More details are available at the Locus Science Fiction Foundation website. 
Hotels Link now Live!
Norwescon 38 once again makes its home at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport conveniently located in SeaTac, Washington. Reserve your room at the Norwescon rateof $126 a night. Please note our deposit and cancellation policy.
Charity Donations at Norwescon 37
Thanks to your generous donations, Norwescon was able to give over $2,100 to Northwest Harvest to feed the hungry in our community. Thank you for your support!
Post-Con Meeting
The final staff meeting of the Norwescon 37 cycle will be held Saturday, May 17 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport. For more information and times, please see our website.
Volunteer Picnic
Did you volunteer at Norwescon 37? Are you curious about volunteering at Norwescon 38? Please join us for our annual volunteer picnic  at Steel Lake Park in Federal Way, July 20th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Programming at Norwescon 38
Are you interested in panels for Norwescon 38? Ever wonder how we pick panelists and content? Please see these guidelines from our programming department.

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Black Science Fiction Society

Check out the discussion ‘Common Perspective – Get’s Goes Behind The Scenes with the founder of the Black Science Fiction Society’

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL.

Discussion posted by Jarvis Sheffield:

An interview with the founder of the Black Science Fiction Society          Mr. Jarvis Sheffield M. Ed. CP: Where were you born/grow up?…

Discussion link:

Common Perspective – Get’s Goes Behind The Scenes with the founder of the Black Science Fiction Society

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